Measuring unit and rotary valve for use therein

ABSTRACT

A measuring unit includes a quantifying section for quantifying a sample in volume, a main channel communicating with the quantifying section, an analyzing section provided in the main channel for analyzing the quantified sample, and a pressure introduction port communicating with the main channel for introducing a pressure into the main channel to transport the sample from the quantifying section to the analyzing section, wherein the analyzing section comprises at least one of an electrical characteristic measuring section for measuring an electrical characteristic of the sample and an optical characteristic measuring section for measuring an optical characteristic of the sample.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED

[0001] This application is related to Japanese Patent Applications Nos. 2001-145084 filed in May 15, 2001 and 2001-397726 filed in Dec. 27, 2001, whose priorities are claimed under 35 USC §119, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a measuring unit and a valve for use therein. Particularly, the invention relates to a measuring unit for analysis of particles in a liquid sample.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] The following is prior-art devices related to the present invention.

[0006] (1) A biological fluid analyzing device for analyzing biological fluid by measuring optical characteristics of a sample, the device comprising: a sample receiving port and a pump connection port; at least one sample treating chamber, an optical measuring chamber and, optionally a waste liquid reservoir provided between the sample receiving port and the pump connection port; and a fluid pathway connecting the sample treating chamber, the optical measuring chamber and/or the waste liquid reservoir chamber (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,681,529).

[0007] (2) A disposable measuring element comprising: a measuring channel with at least one optical or electrochemical sensor located therein; a first port provided at a first end of the measuring channel for connecting the measuring element to an analyzer; and a second port provided at a second end of the measuring channel for connecting the measuring element to a sample taking part, wherein a single common sealing element is provided for the first and second ports, and has first, second and third positions, wherein the first and second ends of the measuring channel are closed when the sealing element is at the first position, wherein the first end of the measuring channel is connected to the first port and the second end of the measuring channel is connected to a collecting tank provided in the measuring element for collecting liquid discharged from the measuring channel when the sealing element is at the second position, wherein the first end of the measuring channel is connected to a buffer tank provided in the measuring element and the second end of the measuring channel is connected to the second port when the sealing element is at the third position (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,350).

[0008] With the aforesaid arrangements, the measuring unit (the biological fluid analyzing device or the measuring element) contaminated by a sample is discarded after use, so that a user can perform a sample analyzing operation safely and sanitarily.

[0009] However, the conventional measuring unit is not designed to accurately quantify a given sample. Therefore, it is difficult to accurately analyze biological fluid samples such as blood and urine, industrial particulate samples such as toner particles, and drink samples such as milk.

[0010] A conceivable approach to this problem is to preliminarily quantify the sample to be applied to the measuring unit. However, this approach additionally requires a device for quantifying the sample, which may also be contaminated by the sample.

[0011] Further, it is difficult to properly match the measuring unit with an additional sample quantifying and diluting device for accurate analysis of the sample with good reproducibility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a measuring unit which has a sample quantifying function to analyze a given sample safely and sanitarily.

[0013] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a measuring unit, which comprises: a quantifying section for quantifying a sample in volume; a main channel communicating with the quantifying section, an analyzing section provided in the main channel for analyzing the quantified sample, and a pressure introduction port communicating with the main channel for introducing a pressure into the main channel to transport the sample from the quantifying section to the analyzing section, wherein the analyzing section comprises at least one of an electrical characteristic measuring section for measuring an electrical characteristic of the sample and an optical characteristic measuring section for measuring an optical characteristic of the sample.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a measuring unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 2 is a front view of the measuring unit according to the first embodiment;

[0016]FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the internal construction of the measuring unit according to the first embodiment;

[0017]FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a rotary valve of the measuring unit according to the first embodiment;

[0018]FIG. 5 is a front view of the rotary valve of the measuring unit according to the first embodiment;

[0019]FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the rotary valve of the measuring unit according to the first embodiment;

[0020]FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the rotary valve as seen from an arrow direction A-A in FIG. 5;

[0021]FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the rotary valve as seen from an arrow direction B-B in FIG. 5;

[0022]FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the rotary valve as seen from an arrow direction C-C in FIG. 5;

[0023]FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the rotary valve as seen from an arrow direction X-X in FIG. 4;

[0024]FIG. 11 is a sectional view illustrating a major portion of an electrical resistance measuring section of the measuring unit according to the first embodiment;

[0025]FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the construction of an analyzer according to the first embodiment;

[0026] FIGS. 13 to 15 are flow charts for explaining the operation of the analyzer of FIG. 12;

[0027] FIGS. 16(a) to 16(c) are diagrams for explaining the operation of the rotary valve of the measuring unit according to the first embodiment;

[0028] FIGS. 17(a) to 17(c) are diagrams for explaining the operation of the rotary valve of the measuring unit according to the first embodiment;

[0029] FIGS. 18(a) to 18(c) are diagrams for explaining the operation of the rotary valve of the measuring unit according to the first embodiment;

[0030] FIGS. 19(a) to 19(c) are diagrams for explaining the operation of the rotary valve of the measuring unit according to the first embodiment;

[0031] FIGS. 20(a) to 20(c) are diagrams for explaining the operation of the rotary valve of the measuring unit according to the first embodiment;

[0032] FIGS. 21 to 34 are diagrams for explaining the movement of a sample and a diluent in the measuring unit according to the first embodiment;

[0033]FIGS. 35 and 36 are sectional views illustrating major portions of a channel of the measuring unit shown in FIG. 3;

[0034]FIG. 37 is a top plan view of a measuring unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0035]FIG. 38 is a front view of the measuring unit according to the second embodiment;

[0036]FIG. 39 is a perspective view illustrating the internal construction of the measuring unit according to the second embodiment;

[0037]FIG. 40 is a top plan view of a rotary valve of the measuring unit according to the second embodiment;

[0038]FIG. 41 is a front view of the rotary valve of the measuring unit according to the second embodiment;

[0039]FIG. 42 is a bottom view of the rotary valve of the measuring unit according to the second embodiment;

[0040]FIG. 43 is a sectional view of the rotary valve as seen from an arrow direction A-A in FIG. 41;

[0041]FIG. 44 is a sectional view of the rotary valve as seen from an arrow direction B-B in FIG. 41;

[0042]FIG. 45 is a sectional view of the rotary valve as seen from an arrow direction X-X in FIG. 40;

[0043]FIG. 46 is a sectional view illustrating a major portion of an electrical resistance measuring section of the measuring unit according to the second embodiment;

[0044]FIG. 47 is a sectional view illustrating a modification of the rotary valve;

[0045]FIG. 48 is a block diagram illustrating the construction of an analyzer according to the second embodiment;

[0046] FIGS. 49 to 51 are flow charts for explaining the operation of the analyzer according to the second embodiment;

[0047] FIGS. 52(a) and 52(b) are diagrams for explaining the operation of the rotary valve of the measuring unit according to the second embodiment;

[0048] FIGS. 53(a) and 53(b) are diagrams for explaining the operation of the rotary valve of the measuring unit according to the second embodiment;

[0049] FIGS. 54(a) and 54(b) are diagrams for explaining the operation of the rotary valve of the measuring unit according to the second embodiment;

[0050] FIGS. 55(a) and 55(b) are diagrams for explaining the operation of the rotary valve of the measuring unit according to the second embodiment;

[0051] FIGS. 56(a) and 56(b) are diagrams for explaining the operation of the rotary valve of the measuring unit according to the second embodiment;

[0052] FIGS. 57 to 72 are diagrams for explaining the movement of a sample and a diluent in the measuring unit according to the second embodiment;

[0053]FIG. 73 is a sectional view illustrating a major portion of the measuring unit shown in FIG. 37; and

[0054]FIG. 74 is a sectional view illustrating a major portion of a channel of the measuring unit shown in FIG. 37.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0055] The measuring unit according to the present invention comprises: a measuring unit comprising: a quantifying section for quantifying a sample in volume; a main channel communicating with the quantifying section, an analyzing section provided in the main channel for analyzing the quantified sample, and a pressure introduction port communicating with the main channel for introducing a pressure into the main channel to transport the sample from the quantifying section to the analyzing section, wherein the analyzing section comprises at least one of an electrical characteristic measuring section for measuring an electrical characteristic of the sample and an optical characteristic measuring section for measuring an optical characteristic of the sample.

[0056] The analyzing section may comprise either or both of the electrical characteristic measuring section and the optical characteristic measuring section. The electrical characteristic measuring section is typically adapted to measure the size and number of particles in the sample, while the optical characteristic measuring section is typically adapted to measure the absorbance of the sample. More specifically, the electrical characteristic measuring section measures the size and number of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, toner particles, or the like. The optical characteristic measuring section determines the amount of hemoglobin, a blood coagulation period, the activity level of an enzyme such as ALP or a peroxidase, the amount of bilirubin, CRP, or the like.

[0057] The quantifying section may comprise a diluting section for diluting the sample to be analyzed with a predetermined volume of diluent. The measuring unit may further comprise a sample receiving section for receiving the sample to be quantified, the sample receiving section communicating with the quantifying section. The sample receiving section is configured so as to receive a capillary blood sampler inserted therein.

[0058] In the measuring unit, the quantifying section may include a rotary valve, which includes an outer cylinder having an open bottom and a cylindrical inner circumferential surface, and an inner cylinder having a closed bottom and a recess provided in an outer circumferential surface thereof for quantifying the sample, the inner cylinder being fitted in the outer cylinder and rotatable about an axis thereof in sliding contact with the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder, the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder defining a diluent container for containing the diluent.

[0059] The rotary valve may further comprise a first channel for introducing the sample into the recess, and a second channel for allowing the recess to communicate with the diluent container, wherein the inner cylinder is rotated to open and close the first channel and the second channel.

[0060] The inner cylinder may be rotated to open the first channel for introducing the sample into the recess, to close the first channel for quantifying the sample, and to open the second channel for transporting the quantified sample into the diluent container for dilution of the sample.

[0061] The electrical characteristic measuring section may comprise a separation plate having a small through-hole and provided in the main channel to obstruct the main channel, and two electrodes exposed to the main channel on opposite sides of the separation plate.

[0062] Usable as the separation plate is an electrically insulative round sheet having a thickness of 50 μm to 500 μm and an outer diameter of 0.5 mm to 10 mm and formed with a minute through-hole having a diameter of 50 μm to 300 μm. The diameter of the minute through-hole is preferably determined depending on the size of the particles to be measured. Preferred examples of a material for the sheet include heat-resistant plastics such as polyimides, but not limited thereto. Other exemplary materials for the sheet include ruby and sapphire. With the use of a heat-resistant material, the formation of the minute through-hole can easily be achieved by a laser machining process such as an excimer laser abrasion process. The separation plate is cut out of a sheet material by a CO₂ laser process or a stamping process, which is preferred for cost reduction.

[0063] The optical characteristic measuring section is preferably located in a portion of the main channel, which is pervious to light and configured so as to be interposed between a light source and a light receiving device.

[0064] The measuring unit may comprise an upper plate and a lower plate stacked on the upper plate, and the quantifying section, the main channel and the analyzing section may be provided in at least one of the upper and lower plates.

[0065] In this case, the upper and lower plates may be composed of a transparent acryl resin or a polycarbonate resin containing an antistatic agent. The upper plate and/or the lower plate may be molded or machined in a predetermined configuration for formation of the quantifying section, the main channel and the analyzing section.

[0066] The upper plate and the lower plate may be combined together in an air-tight manner with the use of an adhesive, by an RF welding method or an ultraviolet bonding method, or by fixing the plates by means of screws with a rubber packing interposed between the plates.

[0067] In the inventive measuring unit, the main channel may have a bubble trapping portion for preventing a bubble from moving toward the quantifying section, or a rectifying portion for rectifying the transported sample.

[0068] The pressure introduction port may comprise a pipe projecting into the main channel.

[0069] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rotary valve which comprises: an outer cylinder having an open bottom and a cylindrical inner circumferential surface; and an inner cylinder having a closed bottom and a recess provided in an outer circumferential surface thereof for quantifying a sample, the inner cylinder being fitted in the outer cylinder and rotatable about an axis thereof in sliding contact with the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder, the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder defining a diluent container for containing a diluent.

[0070] The rotary valve may further comprise a first channel for introducing the sample into the recess, and a second channel for allowing the recess to communicate with the diluent container, wherein the inner cylinder is rotated to open and close the first channel and the second channel.

[0071] In the rotary valve, the inner cylinder may be rotated to open the first channel for introducing the sample into the recess, to close the first channel for quantifying the sample, and to open the second channel for transporting the quantified sample into the diluent container for dilution of the sample.

[0072] Further, the present invention provides a measuring unit comprising an electrical resistance measuring section for measuring an electrical resistance of a sample, wherein the electrical resistance measuring section is detachably connected to an analyzer having a constant direct current source and a signal processing section.

[0073] The electrical resistance measuring section may comprise a channel for transporting a sample therethrough, a separation plate having a small through-hole and provided in the channel to obstruct the channel, and two electrodes exposed to the channel on opposite sides of the separation plate, the two electrodes being detachably connected to the analyzer.

[0074] The channel may have a rectifying portion for rectifying the transported sample.

[0075] The electrical resistance measuring section may have a space for retaining the measured sample.

[0076] The measuring unit may further include a quantifying section for quantifying the sample in volume; a main channel communicating between the quantifying section and the electrical resistance measuring section; and a pressure introduction port communicating with the main channel for introducing a pressure into the main channel to transport the sample from the quantifying section to the electrical resistance measuring section.

[0077] Embodiments

[0078] With reference to the attached drawings, the present invention will hereinafter be described in detail by way of embodiments thereof. However, it should be understood that the invention be not limited to these embodiments.

[0079] First Embodiment

[0080] 1. Construction of Unit Body

[0081]FIGS. 1 and 2 are a top plan view and a front view, respectively, of a measuring unit according to a first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the internal construction of the measuring unit.

[0082] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a unit body 1 includes an upper plate 2 and a lower plate 3 composed of a transparent resin (e.g., an acryl resin or a polycarbonate resin containing an antistatic agent). The unit body 1 includes: a sample receiving section 4 having a volume of 200 μL for receiving a sample; a rotary valve 6 including a diluent container 5 incorporated therein, and having a sample quantifying function and a flow path switching function; an electrical resistance measuring section 7; and first, second and third pump connection ports 8, 9 and 10. The connection ports 8, 9, 10 are each constituted by a pipe projecting downward from the lower plate 3.

[0083] The sample receiving section 4 has a sample injection port provided on the top thereof, and the bottom thereof is connected to the rotary valve 6 via a channel 11. The pump connection port 8 is connected to the rotary valve 6 via a channel 12. The electrical resistance measuring section 7 is connected to the rotary valve 6 via a channel 13, to the pump connection port 9 via a channel 14, and to the pump connection port 10 via a channel 15. A vent hole 37 is provided for opening the rotary valve 6 to the atmosphere.

[0084] As will be described later in detail, the channels 11, 12 constitute a quantifying channel for introducing the sample into a sample quantifying section. The channel 13 constitutes a measuring channel for introducing a diluted sample from the diluent container 5 into the electrical resistance measuring section 7. Further, the channels 13, 14 constitute an agitation channel for agitating a mixture of the quantified sample and a diluent for preparation of the diluted sample. The channel 15 allows the electrical resistance measuring section 7 to communicate with the pump connection port 10, and constitutes a retention channel for retaining the diluted sample introduced therein after measurement.

[0085] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 35, the channel 14 has a slant interior portion 14 a and a stepped interior portion 14 b, so that the sectional area thereof becomes greater toward the pump connection port 9. With this arrangement, bubbles generated when the mixture of the quantified sample and the diluent is moved back and forth in arrow directions A and B for agitation thereof are prevented from flowing back to the diluent container 5 (i.e., in the arrow direction B). Thus, the bubbles are prevented from being contained in the diluted sample.

[0086] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 36, the channel 15 has a portion 15 a having a sufficiently smaller sectional area than an internal channel 15 c provided in the electrical resistance measuring section 7. With this arrangement, bubbles generated in the vicinity of an electrode (to be described later) of the electrical resistance measuring section 7 when a flow rate in the channel 15 is increased are sucked together with the diluted sample in an arrow direction C, so that the electrical resistance measuring section 7 is not influenced by the bubbles during the measurement.

[0087] 2. Construction of Rotary Valve

[0088]FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are a top plan view, a front view and a bottom view, respectively, of the rotary valve 6. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the rotary valve 6 includes an outer cylinder 16 having an open bottom, and an inner cylinder 17 having a closed bottom and inserted in the outer cylinder 16 from the open bottom of the outer cylinder 16. The inner cylinder 17 has an open top, and a flange 18 provided at the bottom thereof.

[0089] Projections 19, 20 project downward from the flange 18 to define a groove 21 having non-parallel edges therebetween. The projections 19, 20 constitute a connector to be connected to a valve driving source to be described later. When the inner cylinder 17 is rotated about an axis thereof, an outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 17 is slidable in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 16. Although the groove 21 has the non-parallel edges in this embodiment, the groove 21 may have parallel edges.

[0090]FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 are sectional views of the rotary valve 6 as seen in arrow directions A-A, B-B and C-C, respectively, in FIG. 5. FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the rotary valve 6 as seen in an arrow direction X-X in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 7, the inner cylinder 17 has two through-holes 22, 23 formed in an upper portion thereof for opening and closing the vent hole 37, and the outer cylinder 16 has a through-hole 38 communicating with the vent hole 37.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 8, the inner cylinder 17 has three elongated lateral grooves 24, 25, 26 formed in circumferentially aligned relation in a middle portion of the outer circumferential surface, and the outer cylinder 16 has three through-holes 27, 28 and 29 communicating with the channels 11, 12 and 13, respectively.

[0092] As will be described later, the lateral groove 25 serves as the sample quantifying section, and the lateral grooves 24, 26 serve as channel opening and closing grooves.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 9, the inner cylinder 17 has two through-holes 30, 31 formed in a lower portion thereof for channel opening and closing. As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the outer cylinder 16 further has an elongated vertical groove 32 formed in the inner circumferential surface thereof as extending axially from a middle portion to a lower portion thereof.

[0094] 3. Construction of Electrical Resistance Measuring Section

[0095] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the electrical resistance measuring section 7 includes a disk pellet 33 (separation plate) provided between vertical portions 15 a and 15 b of the internal channel 15 c thereof, an electrode 34 provided in a junction between the channels 15 and 15 c with an end thereof exposed to the inside of the channel and the other end thereof exposed to the outside of the upper plate 2, and an electrode 35 provided in a junction 36 between the channels 13 and 14 with an end thereof exposed to the inside of the channel and the other end thereof exposed to the outside of the lower plate 3.

[0096]FIG. 11 is a sectional view illustrating a major portion of the electrical resistance measuring section 7. The pellet 33 is fitted in a round recess formed in the lower plate 3 coaxially with the vertical portion 15 b and pressed by a round projection provided on the upper plate 2 coaxially with the vertical portion 15 a.

[0097] The pellet 33 has a minute through-hole 33 a formed in the center thereof, so that the electrical resistance of an electrolytic solution passing through the minute through-hole 33 a is measured by the electrodes 34, 35. The pellet 33 is formed of a polyetherimide sheet having a thickness of 125 μm. The minute through-hole 33 a is formed in the sheet as having a diameter of 100 μm by an excimer laser.

[0098] 4. Analyzer

[0099]FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the construction of an analyzer 100 which counts the number of white blood cells in a blood sample with the use of the unit body 1 for preparation of a particle size distribution. A constant direct current source 101 of the analyzer 100 is detachably connected to the exposed ends of the electrodes 34, 35 of the unit body 1, and electric syringe pumps 102, 103 and 104 are detachably connected to the first, second and third pump connection ports 8, 9 and 10, respectively. A stepping motor 105 for driving the valve 6 is detachably connected to the valve 6 via a connector (not shown) engaged with the groove 21 formed in the flange 18 at the bottom of the valve 6.

[0100] A signal processing section 106 includes a controlling section 106 a and a computing section 106 b, which are comprised of a microprocessor. The controlling section 106 a drives the electric syringe pumps 102, 103, 104 and the stepping motor 105 in response of a command applied thereto from an input section 107. The computing section 106 b counts the number of the white blood cells and calculates the size of each of the white blood cells on the basis of signals applied from the electrodes 34, 35. The results are displayed on a display section 108.

[0101] 5. Measuring Operation

[0102] With reference to flow charts shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, an explanation will hereinafter be given to the operation of the analyzer 100 shown in FIG. 12. FIGS. 16(a) to 16(c), 17(a) to 17(c), 18(a) to 18(c), 19(a) to 19(c) and 20(a) to 20(c) illustrate rotational positions of the inner cylinder 17 with respect to the outer cylinder 16 of the rotary valve 6. Particularly, FIGS. 16(a) to 20(a), FIGS. 16(b) to 20(b), FIGS. 16(c) to 20(c) are sectional views of the rotary valve 6 as seen in arrow directions A-A, B-B and C-C, respectively, in FIG. 5.

[0103] In the unit body 1, the rotary valve 6 retains 1,000 μL of the diluent (a mixture of a dilution agent and a hemolyzing agent) preliminarily quantified in the diluent container 5. The inner cylinder 17 is initially in a rotational position as shown in FIGS. 16(a) to 16(c) with respect to the outer cylinder 16, so that the diluent L is confined in the container 5 as shown in FIG. 21.

[0104] The unit body 1 is connected to the analyzer 100 as shown in FIG. 12, and about 10 μL to about 150 μL of a whole blood sample B is injected into the sample receiving section 4 by a syringe or a pipette as shown in FIG. 21.

[0105] When a start command is applied from the input section 107 (FIG. 12) (Step S1), the stepping motor 105 is driven so that the inner cylinder 17 is rotated clockwise by an angle θ1 (Steps S2 to S4) thereby to reach a position as shown in FIGS. 17(a) to 17(c) and 22.

[0106] Thus, the channels 11, 12 communicate with each other via the lateral groove 25 to form the quantifying channel as shown in FIGS. 17(b) and 22. In this state, the syringe pump 102 performs a sucking operation for a time period t1 (Steps S5 to S7), whereby the sample B flows into the channel 12 from the sample receiving section 4 via the lateral groove 25 to fill the lateral groove 25 as shown in FIG. 23.

[0107] In turn, the stepping motor 105 is driven so that the inner cylinder 17 is rotated clockwise by an angle θ2 (Steps S8 to S10) thereby to reach a position as shown in FIGS. 18(a) to 18(c) and 24. Thus, the sample is quantified in a volume of 2 μm which is equivalent to the volume of the lateral groove 25, and separated by the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 16 as shown in FIG. 24.

[0108] At the same time, the through-hole 22 of the inner cylinder 17 communicates with the vent hole 37 to open an upper portion of the diluent container 5 to the atmosphere as shown in FIG. 18(a), and the channel 13 communicates with the bottom of the diluent container 5 via the lateral groove 26, the vertical groove 32 and the through-hole 31 as shown in FIGS. 18(b) and 18(c).

[0109] Then, the syringe pump 103 performs a sucking operation for a time period t2 (Steps S11 to S13), whereby the diluent L is introduced into the channel 13 from the diluent container 5 as shown in FIG. 25.

[0110] Subsequently, the stepping motor 105 is driven so that the inner cylinder 17 is rotated clockwise by an angle θ3 (Steps S14 to S16) thereby to reach a position as shown in FIGS. 19(a) to 19(c).

[0111] Thus, the through-hole 23 of the inner cylinder 17 communicates with the vent hole 37 to open the upper portion of the diluent container 5 to the atmosphere as shown in FIG. 19(a), and the channel 13 communicates with the bottom of the diluent container 5 via the lateral groove 25, the vertical groove 32 and the through-hole 30 to form the agitation channel as shown in FIGS. 19(b), 19(c) and 26. At the same time, the channel 11 communicates with the channel 12 via the lateral groove 24 as shown in FIG. 19(b).

[0112] Then, the syringe pump 103 further performs the sucking operation for a time period t4 (Steps S17 to S19), whereby the diluent in the diluent container 5 and the quantified sample in the lateral groove 25 are introduced into the channel 13 as shown in FIG. 27.

[0113] In turn, the syringe pump 103 performs a discharging operation for a time period t5 (Steps S20 to S22), whereby the sample and the diluent are fed back into the diluent container 5 as shown in FIG. 28.

[0114] Subsequently, the syringe pump 103 repeats a t6-period sucking operation and a t7-period discharging operation N times (Steps S23 to S29), whereby the diluent and the sample flow back and forth between the channels 13, 14 and the diluent container 5 as shown in FIG. 29. Thus, the diluent and the sample are sufficiently mixed and agitated for preparation of a 500-time diluted sample. The diluted sample is retained in the diluent container 5 as shown in FIG. 30.

[0115] Then, the syringe pump 103 performs the sucking operation for a time period t8 (Steps S30 to S32), whereby the diluted sample is introduced into the channels 13, 14 from the diluent container 5 as shown in FIG. 31.

[0116] In turn, the syringe pump 104 performs a sucking operation for a time period t9, whereby the diluted sample flows toward the syringe pump 104 from the diluent container 5 via the channel 13, the pellet 33 and the channel 15 (i.e., via the measuring channel) as shown in FIG. 32. During this period, the signal processing section 106 b measures an electrical resistance between the electrodes 34 and 35 (Steps S33 to S36).

[0117] Subsequently, the syringe pump 102 performs the sucking operation for a time period t10 (Steps S37 to S39), whereby all the sample remaining in the sample receiving section 4 is retained in the channel 12 as shown in FIG. 33. On the other hand, all the diluted sample in the diluent container 5 is retained in the channels 13, 14, 15 in Steps S33 to S36.

[0118] In turn, the stepping motor 105 is driven so that the inner cylinder 17 is rotated clockwise by an angle θ4 (Steps S40 to S42) thereby to reach a position as shown in FIGS. 20(a) to 20(c). Thus, the vent hole 37 and the channel 11 are brought out of communication with the diluent container 5 and the channel 12, respectively, as shown in FIG. 34.

[0119] In the aforesaid manner, the measuring operation is completed with the residual sample retained in the channel 12 and with the diluted sample retained in the channels 13 to 15, so that the residual sample and the diluted sample do not leak out of the unit body 1. Thereafter, the unit body 1 is removed from the analyzer 100 and discarded (Step S43).

[0120] 6. Count of Number of Particles and Calculation of Particle Diameter

[0121] When the constant current from the constant direct current source 101 (FIG. 12) is applied to the diluted sample between the electrodes 34 and 35 in a space separated by the pellet 33 having the minute through-hole 33 a as shown in FIG. 11, the electrical resistance between the electrodes 34 and 35 generally depends on the specific resistivity of a liquid component of the diluted sample. Particularly, the electrical resistance is determined by an electrical resistance of the liquid component present in and around the minute through-hole 33 a, mainly depending on the diameter of the minute through-hole 33 a and the thickness of the pellet 33.

[0122] When a particle (white blood cell) passes through the minute through-hole 33 a, the liquid component is removed by the volume of the particle, so that the electrical resistance between the electrodes 34 and 35 changes. A change in the electrical resistance is detected as a voltage pulse generated between the electrodes 34 and 35.

[0123] Therefore, the computing section 106 b determines the number of particles (white blood cells) on the basis of the number of pulses. Since the amplitude of the pulse is proportional to the volume of the particle, the computing section 106 b detects the amplitude of each pulse, and calculates the spherical equivalent diameter of each particle (white blood cell) for preparation of a particle size distribution diagram.

[0124] Where red blood cells or platelets are subjected to the particle analysis, the volume of the diluent container 5 according to this embodiment is increased (for example, the sample is diluted 25,000 times), and a diluent not containing the hemolyzing agent is employed as the diluent.

[0125] Second Embodiment

[0126] 1. Construction of Unit Body

[0127]FIGS. 37 and 38 are a top plan view and a front view of a measuring unit according to a second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 39 is a perspective view illustrating the internal construction of the measuring unit.

[0128] As shown in FIGS. 37 to 39, a unit body 1 a includes an upper plate 2 a and a lower plate 3 a composed of a transparent resin (e.g., an acryl resin or a polycarbonate resin containing an antistatic agent). The unit body 1 a includes: an elongated sample receiving section 4 a having a volume of 200 μL for receiving a sample; a rotary valve 6 a including a diluent container 5 a incorporated therein, and having a sample quantifying function and a flow path switching function; an electrical resistance measuring section 7 a; an optical characteristic measuring section 7 b; and first, second and third pump connection ports 8 a, 9 a and 10 a. The connection ports 8 a, 9 a, 10 a are each constituted by pipes projecting upward and downward from the lower plate 3 a as shown in FIG. 74. The pipes of the connection ports 8 a, 9 a, 10 a projecting downward are respectively inserted into pump connection tubes, while the pipes of the connection ports 8 a, 9 a, 10 a projecting upward prevent liquid in channels 12 a, 14 c, 15 g from being sucked out through the connection ports 8 a, 9 a, 10 a.

[0129] The sample receiving section 4 a has a sample injection port provided on the top thereof, and the bottom thereof is connected to the rotary valve 6 a via a channel 11 a. A capillary blood sampler 4 b may be provided at the bottom of the sample receiving section 4 a with a distal end thereof inserted in the channel 11 a as shown in FIG. 73. The pump connection port 8 a is connected to the rotary valve 6 a via the channel 12 a. The electrical resistance measuring section 7 a and the optical characteristic measuring section 7 b are connected to the rotary valve 6 a via the channel 13 a, to the pump connection port 9 a via the channel 14 c, and to the pump connection port 10 a via the channel 15 g.

[0130] As will be described later in detail, the channels 11 a, 12 a constitute a quantifying channel for introducing the sample to a sample quantifying section. The channel 13 a constitutes a measuring channel for introducing a diluted sample from the diluent container 5 a into the electrical resistance measuring section 7 a and the optical characteristic measuring section 7 b. Further, the channels 13 a, 14 c constitute an agitation channel for agitating a mixture of the quantified sample and a diluent for preparation of the diluted sample. The channel 15 g allows the electrical resistance measuring section 7 a to communicate with the pump connection port 10 a to constitute a retention channel for retaining the diluted sample introduced therein after measurement.

[0131] As shown in FIGS. 39 and 74, the channel 14 c is configured so that the sectional area thereof becomes greater toward the pump connection port 9 a, and has a projection 14 d provided on an interior surface thereof. With this arrangement, bubbles generated when the mixture of the quantified sample and the diluent is moved back and forth in arrow directions A and B for agitation thereof (to be described later with reference to FIG. 66) are prevented from flowing into the optical characteristic measuring section 7 b (i.e., in the arrow direction A). Thus, occurrence of noises during measurement of an optical characteristic can be prevented.

[0132] 2. Construction of Rotary Valve

[0133]FIGS. 40, 41 and 42 are a top plan view, a front view and a bottom view, respectively, of the rotary valve 6 a. As shown in FIGS. 40 to 42, the rotary valve 6 a includes an outer cylinder 16 a having an open bottom, and an inner cylinder 17 a having a closed bottom and inserted in the outer cylinder 16 a from the bottom of the outer cylinder 16 a. The inner cylinder 17 a has an open top, and a flange 18 a provided at the bottom thereof. The outer cylinder 16 a has a through-hole 37 a formed in the center of the top thereof for opening the diluent container 5 a to the atmosphere. The through-hole 37 a is usually closed by a sealing member not shown, and opened when the unit body 1 a is used.

[0134] Projections 19 a, 20 a project downward from the flange 18 a to define a groove 21 a having non-parallel edges therebetween. The projections 19 a, 20 a constitute a connector to be connected to a valve driving source to be described later. When the inner cylinder 17 a is rotated about an axis thereof, an outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 17 a is slidable in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 16 a. Although the groove 21 a has the non-parallel edges in this embodiment, the groove 21 a may have parallel edges.

[0135]FIGS. 43 and 44 are sectional views of the rotary valve 6 a as seen in arrow directions A-A and B-B, respectively, in FIG. 41. FIG. 45 is a sectional view of the rotary valve 6 a as seen in an arrow direction X-X in FIG. 40.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 43, the inner cylinder 17 a has three elongated lateral grooves 24 a, 25 a, 26 a formed in circumferentially aligned relation in an upper portion of the outer circumferential surface thereof, and the outer cylinder 16 a has three through-holes 27 a, 28 a and 29 a communicating with the channels 11 a, 12 a and 13 a, respectively.

[0137] As will be described later, the lateral groove 25 a serves as the sample quantifying section, and the lateral grooves 24 a, 26 a serve as channel opening and closing grooves.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 44, the inner cylinder 17 a has two through-holes 30 a, 31 a formed in a lower portion thereof for channel opening and closing. As shown in FIGS. 43 to 45, the outer cylinder 16 a further has an elongated vertical groove 32 a formed in the inner circumferential surface thereof as extending axially from an upper portion to a lower portion thereof.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 45, the inner cylinder 17 a has an inwardly projecting conical bottom, which improves the efficiency of mixing the blood sample with the diluent in the inner cylinder 17 a and makes it possible to completely discharge the sample. Alternatively, the inner cylinder 17 a may have a cylindrical projection provided in the center portion of the bottom thereof as shown in FIG. 47. As shown in FIGS. 45 and 47, the outer peripheral edge of the flange 18 a projects upward in a ring shape. With this arrangement, liquid which happens to leak through the side face of the inner cylinder 17 a is retained in the flange 18 a. A gap is defined between parts of the outer cylinder 16 a and the inner cylinder 17 a. This alleviates a load exerted on a stepping motor 105 a during the rotation of the inner cylinder 17 a.

[0140] 3. Construction of Electrical Resistance Measuring Section

[0141] As shown in FIGS. 37 and 39, the electrical resistance measuring section 7 a includes a disk pellet (separation plate) 33 b provided between vertical portions 15 d and 15 e of an internal channel 15 f thereof, an electrode 34 a provided in a junction between the channels 15 g and 15 f with an end thereof exposed to the inside of the channel and the other end thereof exposed to the outside of the upper plate 2 a, and an electrode 35 a provided in a junction 36 a between the channels 13 a and 14 c with an end thereof exposed to the inside of the channel and the other end thereof exposed to the outside of the lower plate 3 a.

[0142]FIG. 46 is a sectional view illustrating a major portion of the electrical resistance measuring section 7 a. The pellet 33 b is fitted in a round recess formed in the lower plate 3 a coaxially with the vertical portion 15 e and pressed by a round projection provided on the upper plate 2 a coaxially with the vertical portion 15 d.

[0143] The pellet 33 b has a minute through-hole 33 c formed in the center thereof, so that the electrical resistance of an electrolytic solution passing through the minute through-hole 33 c is measured by the electrodes 34 a, 35 a. The pellet 33 b is formed of a polyetherimide sheet having a thickness of 125 μm. The minute through-hole 33 c is formed in the sheet as having a diameter of 100 μm by an excimer laser.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 46, a plurality of grooves V are formed in an upper wall surface (ceiling surface) of the channel 15 f as extending parallel to each other longitudinally of the channel 15 f. With this arrangement, bubbles in the electrolytic solution flowing through the minute through-hole 33 c in the channel 15 f are trapped by the grooves V, and the electrolytic solution is rectified for stabilization of the flow thereof. This suppresses noises in measurements obtained by means of the electrodes 34 a, 35 a.

[0145] 4. Construction of Optical Characteristic Measuring Section

[0146] As shown in FIG. 37, the optical characteristic measuring section 7 b is located in the vicinity of the pump connection port 9 a of the channel 14 c. In the optical characteristic measuring section 7 b, the channel 14 c is configured so that a light emitting diode 125 and a photodiode 126 of the analyzer (to be described later) can be provided on upper and lower sides of the channel 14 c as shown in FIG. 74 for measurement of the intensity of light transmitted through liquid present in the channel 14 c.

[0147] 5. Analyzer

[0148]FIG. 48 is a block diagram illustrating the construction of an analyzer 100 a which analyzes white blood cells and hemoglobin in a blood sample with the use of the unit body 1 a. A constant direct current source 101 a of the analyzer 100 is detachably connected to the exposed ends of the electrodes 34 a, 35 a of the unit body 1 a, and electric syringe pumps 102 a, 103 a and 104 a are detachably connected to the first, second and third pump connection ports 8 a, 9 a and 10 a, respectively. A stepping motor 105 a for driving the valve 6 a is detachably connected to the valve 6 a via a connector (not shown) engaged with the groove 21 a formed in the flange 18 a at the bottom of the valve 6 a.

[0149] A signal processing section 106 e includes a controlling section 106 c and a computing section 106 d, which are comprised of a microprocessor. The controlling section 106 c drives the electric syringe pumps 102 a, 103 a, 104 a, the stepping motor 105 a and the light emitting diode 125 in response of a command applied thereto from an input section 107 a. The computing section 106 d counts the number of the white blood cells and calculates the size of each of the white blood cells on the basis of signals applied from the electrodes 34 a, 35 a. Further, the computing section 106 d calculates the amount of the hemoglobin on the basis of signals from the photodiode 126. The results of the calculations are displayed on a display section 108 a.

[0150] The analyzer 100 a further includes an input/output port (interface) 109 for interfacing the signal processing section 106 e with an external computer and printer for signal reception and transmission.

[0151] 6. Measuring Operation

[0152] With reference to flow charts shown in FIGS. 49 to 51, an explanation will hereinafter be given to the operation of the analyzer 10 a shown in FIG. 48. FIGS. 52(a), 52(b), 53(a), 53(b), 54(a), 54(b), 55(a), 55(b), 56(a) and 56(b) illustrate rotational positions of the inner cylinder 17 a with respect to the outer cylinder 16 a of the rotary valve 6 a. Particularly, FIGS. 52(a) to 56(a) and FIGS. 52(b) to 56(b) are sectional views of the rotary valve 6 a as seen in arrow directions A-A and B-B, respectively, in FIG. 41.

[0153] In the unit body 1 a, the rotary valve 6 a retains 1,000 μL of the diluent (a mixture of a dilution agent and a hemolyzing agent) preliminarily quantified in the diluent container 5 a. The inner cylinder 17 a is initially in a rotational position as shown in FIGS. 52(a) and 52(b) with respect to the outer cylinder 16 a, so that the diluent L is confined in the container 5 a as shown in FIG. 57.

[0154] The unit body 1 a is connected to the analyzer 100 a as shown in FIG. 48, and about 10 μL to about 150 μL of a whole blood sample B is injected into the sample receiving section 4 a by a syringe or a pipette as shown in FIG. 57. Alternatively, the capillary blood sampler in which the whole blood sample is retained may be inserted into an inlet of the channel 11 a. Then, the sealing member on the top of the outer cylinder 16 a of the rotary valve 6 a is removed to open the through-hole 37 a. The sealing member may be removed by a user of the analyzer 100 a or, alternatively, the sealing member may be pierced by a piercing needle which may be provided in the analyzer 100 a.

[0155] When a start command is applied from the input section 107 a (FIG. 48) (Step S1), the stepping motor 105 a is driven so that the inner cylinder 17 a is rotated clockwise by an angle θ1 from the position shown in FIGS. 52(a) and 52(b) (Steps S2 to S4) thereby to reach a position as shown in FIGS. 53(a), 53(b) and 58.

[0156] Thus, the channels 11 a, 12 a communicate with each other via the lateral groove 25 a to form the quantifying channel as shown in FIGS. 53(a) and 58. In this state, the syringe pump 102 a performs a sucking operation for a time period T1 (Step S5 to S7), whereby the sample B flows into the channel 12 a from the sample receiving section 4 a via the lateral groove 25 a to fill the lateral groove 25 a as shown in FIG. 59.

[0157] In turn, the stepping motor 105 a is driven so that the inner cylinder 17 a is rotated clockwise by an angle θ2 (Steps S8 to S10) thereby to reach a position as shown in FIGS. 54(a), 54(b) and 60. Thus, the sample is quantified in a volume of 2 μm which is equivalent to the volume of the lateral groove 25 a, and separated by the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 16 a as shown in FIG. 60.

[0158] At the same time, the channel 13 a communicates with the bottom of the diluent container 5 a via the lateral groove 26 a, the vertical groove 32 a and the through-hole 31 a as shown in FIGS. 54(a) and 54(b).

[0159] Then, the syringe pump 103 a performs a sucking operation for a time period T2 (Steps S11 to S13), whereby the diluent L is introduced into the channels 13 a, 14 c from the diluent container 5 a as shown in FIG. 61. In this state, the light emitting diode 125 is actuated, and the photodiode 126 measures the intensity of the light transmitted through the diluent (blank level) (Step S13 a). When the syringe pump 103 a performs a discharging operation for a time period T3 (Steps S13 b to 13 d), the diluent L is fed back into the diluent container 5 a as shown in FIG. 62.

[0160] Subsequently, the stepping motor 105 a is driven so that the inner cylinder 17 a is rotated by an angle θ3 (Steps S14 to 16) thereby to reach a position as shown in FIGS. 55(a) and 55(b).

[0161] Thus, the channel 13 a communicates with the bottom of the diluent container 5 a via the lateral groove 25 a, the vertical groove 32 a and the through-hole 30 a to form the agitation channel as shown in FIGS. 55(a), 55(b) and 63. At the same time, the channel 11 a communicates with the channel 12 a via the lateral groove 24 a as shown in FIG. 55(a).

[0162] Then, the syringe pump 103 a further performs the sucking operation for a time period T4 (Steps S17 to S19), whereby the diluent L in the diluent container 5 a and the quantified sample in the lateral groove 25 a are introduced into the channel 13 a as shown in FIG. 64.

[0163] In turn, the syringe pump 103 a performs a discharging operation for a time period T5 (Steps S20 to S22), whereby the sample and the diluent are fed back into the diluent container 5 a as shown in FIG. 65.

[0164] Subsequently, the syringe pump 103 a repeats a T6-period sucking operation and a T7-period discharging operation N times, whereby the diluent and the sample flow back and forth between the channels 13 a, 14 c and the diluent container 5 a in arrow directions A, B as shown in FIG. 66 (Steps S23 to S29). Thus, the diluent and the sample are sufficiently mixed and agitated for preparation of a 500-time diluted sample. The diluted sample is retained in the diluent container 5 a as shown in FIG. 67.

[0165] Then, the syringe pump 103 a performs the sucking operation for a time period T8 (Steps S30 to S32), whereby the diluted sample is introduced into the channels 13 a, 14 c from the diluent container 5 a as shown in FIG. 68. In this state, the photodiode 126 receives light emitted from the light emitting diode 125, whereby the intensity of the light transmitted through the diluted sample is measured (Step S32 a).

[0166] Subsequently, the syringe pump 103 a performs the discharging operation for a time period T8 a (Steps S32 b to S32 d), whereby the diluted sample is fed back into the diluent container 5 a as shown in FIG. 69.

[0167] In turn, the syringe pump 104 a performs a sucking operation for a time period T9, whereby the diluted sample flows toward the syringe pump 104 a from the diluent container 5 a via the pellet 33 b and the channel 15 g (i.e., via the measuring channel) as shown in FIG. 70. During this period, the signal processing section 106 e measures an electrical resistance between the electrodes 34 a and 35 a (Steps S33 to S36).

[0168] Then, the syringe pump 102 a performs the sucking operation for a time period T10 (Steps S37 to S39), whereby all the sample remaining in the sample receiving section 4 a is retained in the channel 12 a as shown in FIG. 71. On the other hand, all the diluted sample in the diluent container 5 a is retained in the channels 13 a, 14 c, 15 g in Steps S33 to S36.

[0169] In turn, the stepping motor 105 a is driven so that the inner cylinder 17 a is rotated clockwise by an angle θ4 (Steps S40 to S42) thereby to reach a position as shown in FIGS. 56(a) and 56(b). Thus, the channel 11 a is brought out of communication with the channel 12 a as shown in FIG. 72.

[0170] In the aforesaid manner, the measuring operation is completed with the residual sample retained in the channel 12 a and with the diluted sample retained in the channels 13 a, 14 c and 15 g. After the through-hole 37 a in the top wall of the rotary valve 6 a is sealed again, the unit body 1 a is removed from the analyzer 100 a and discarded (Step S43).

[0171] 7. Analysis of White Blood Cells and Hemoglobin

[0172] When the constant current from the constant direct current source 101 a (FIG. 48) is applied to the diluted sample between the electrodes 34 a and 35 a in a space separated by the pellet 33 b having the minute through-hole 33 c as shown in FIG. 46, the electrical resistance between the electrodes 34 a and 35 a generally depends on the specific resistivity of a liquid component of the diluted sample. Particularly, the electrical resistance is determined by an electrical resistance of the liquid component present in and around the minute through-hole 33 c, mainly depending on the diameter of the minute through-hole 33 c and the thickness of the pellet 33 b.

[0173] When a white blood cell passes through the minute through-hole 33 c, the liquid component is removed by the volume of the white blood cell, so that the electrical resistance between the electrodes 34 a and 35 a changes. A change in the electrical resistance is detected as a voltage pulse generated between the electrodes 34 a and 35 a.

[0174] Therefore, the computing section 106 d determines the number of white blood cells on the basis of the number of pulses. Since the amplitude of the pulse is proportional to the volume of the white blood cell, the computing section 106 d detects the amplitude of each pulse, and calculates the spherical equivalent diameter of each white blood cell for preparation of a particle size distribution diagram.

[0175] Further, the computing section 106 d determines the absorbance of the diluted sample by a known method on the basis of the transmitted light intensity of the diluent (blank level) and the transmitted light intensity of the diluted sample obtained by the optical characteristic measuring section 7 b (FIG. 74). The amount of the hemoglobin is calculated on the basis of the absorbance thus determined.

[0176] In accordance with the present invention, the measuring unit is capable of quantifying a given sample therein without taking out the sample, so that the sample can be analyzed accurately and sanitarily. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A measuring unit comprising: a quantifying section for quantifying a sample in volume; a main channel communicating with the quantifying section; an analyzing section provided in the main channel for analyzing the quantified sample; and a pressure introduction port communicating with the main channel for introducing a pressure into the main channel to transport the sample from the quantifying section to the analyzing section, wherein the analyzing section comprises at least one of an electrical characteristic measuring section for measuring an electrical characteristic of the sample and an optical characteristic measuring section for measuring an optical characteristic of the sample.
 2. A measuring unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein the quantifying section has a diluting section for diluting the sample to be analyzed with a predetermined volume of diluent.
 3. A measuring unit as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a sample receiving section for receiving the sample to be quantified, the sample receiving section communicating with the quantifying section.
 4. A measuring unit as set forth in claim 3, wherein the sample receiving section is configured so as to receive a capillary blood sampler inserted therein.
 5. A measuring unit as set forth in claim 2, wherein the quantifying section comprises a rotary valve, which includes an outer cylinder having an open bottom and a cylindrical inner circumferential surface, and an inner cylinder having a closed bottom and a recess provided in an outer circumferential surface thereof for quantifying the sample, the inner cylinder being fitted in the outer cylinder and rotatable about an axis thereof in sliding contact with the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder, the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder defining a diluent container for containing the diluent.
 6. A measuring unit as set forth in claim 5, wherein the rotary valve further comprises a first channel for introducing the sample into the recess, and a second channel for allowing the recess to communicate with the diluent container, wherein the inner cylinder is rotated to open and close the first channel and the second channel.
 7. A measuring unit as set forth in claim 6, wherein the inner cylinder is rotated to open the first channel for introducing the sample into the recess, to close the first channel for quantifying the sample, and to open the second channel for transporting the quantified sample into the diluent container for dilution of the sample.
 8. A measuring unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein the electrical characteristic measuring section comprises a separation plate having a small through-hole and provided in the main channel to obstruct the main channel, and two electrodes exposed to the main channel on opposite sides of the separation plate.
 9. A measuring unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein the optical characteristic measuring section is located in a portion of the main channel, which is pervious to light and configured so as to be interposed between a light source and a light receiving device.
 10. A measuring unit as set forth in claim 1, further comprising an upper plate and a lower plate stacked on the upper plate, wherein the quantifying section, the main channel and the analyzing section are provided in at least one of the upper and lower plates.
 11. A measuring unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein the main channel has a bubble trapping portion for preventing a bubble from moving toward the quantifying section.
 12. A measuring unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein the main channel has a rectifying portion for rectifying the transported diluted sample.
 13. A measuring unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein the pressure introduction port comprises a pipe projecting into the main channel.
 14. A rotary valve comprising: an outer cylinder having an open bottom and a cylindrical inner circumferential surface; and an inner cylinder having a closed bottom and a recess provided in an outer circumferential surface thereof for quantifying a sample, the inner cylinder being fitted in the outer cylinder and rotatable about an axis thereof in sliding contact with the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder, the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder defining a diluent container for containing a diluent.
 15. A rotary valve as set forth in claim 14, further comprising a first channel for introducing the sample into the recess, and a second channel for allowing the recess to communicate with the diluent container, wherein the inner cylinder is rotated to open and close the first channel and the second channel.
 16. A rotary valve as set forth in claim 15, wherein the inner cylinder is rotated to open the first channel for introducing the sample into the recess, to close the first channel for quantifying the sample, and to open the second channel for transporting the quantified sample into the diluent container for dilution of the sample.
 17. A measuring unit comprising, an electrical resistance measuring section for measuring an electrical resistance of a sample, wherein the electrical resistance measuring section is detachably connected to an analyzer having a constant direct current source and a signal processing section.
 18. A measuring unit as set forth in claim 17, wherein the electrical resistance measuring section comprises a main channel for transporting the sample therethrough, a separation plate having a small through-hole and provided in the main channel to obstruct the main channel, and two electrodes exposed to the main channel on opposite sides of the separation plate, the two electrodes being detachably connected to the analyzer.
 19. A measuring unit as set forth in claim 18, wherein the channel has a rectifying portion for rectifying the transported sample.
 20. A measuring unit as set forth in claim 17, wherein the electrical resistance measuring section has a space for retaining the measured sample.
 21. A measuring unit set forth in claim 17 further comprising: a quantifying section for quantifying the sample in volume; a main channel communicating between the quantifying section and the electrical resistance measuring section; and a pressure introduction port communicating with the main channel for introducing a pressure into the main channel to transport the sample from the quantifying section to the electrical resistance measuring section. 